Massive DRI Customs Seizure in Manipur Drugs and Cash Worth ₹55.52 Crore
In a major crackdown on illegal trafficking, a joint team of DRI, Customs, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police seized drugs and cash worth ₹55.52 crore during a coordinated operation in Manipur. The high-value seizure marks one of the biggest enforcement actions in the North-East in 2025.
What Was Seized?
According to official sources, the operation led to:
- Drugs (suspected narcotics): Large quantity, under NDPS Act
- Unaccounted Cash: In crores, suspected proceeds of crime
- Arrests: 5 individuals taken into custody
- Involved Agencies: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Indian Customs, Assam Rifles, Manipur State Police
Legal Basis for the Action
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
- Customs Act, 1962
- Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973
The DRI Customs seizure was based on prior intelligence inputs and surveillance in the Indo-Myanmar border region, which has seen a surge in trafficking due to its proximity to the Golden Triangle.
Significance of the Seizure
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Value | ₹55.52 crore |
| Region | Manipur (North-East India) |
| Law Enforcement Involved | DRI, Customs, Assam Rifles, Police |
| Arrests Made | 5 individuals |
| Broader Impact | Crackdown on cross-border smuggling |
Why This Matters for Tax & Compliance
Though the action primarily relates to drug enforcement, it also touches upon:
- Benami Transactions: Cash without clear sources can trigger Income Tax Act provisions (Sections 68, 69A)
- GST Implications: Smuggling affects legal supply chains and revenue collection
- Black Money & Money Laundering: Seizures like this often lead to ED (Enforcement Directorate) intervention under PMLA, 2002
Expert View: What to Expect Next
Tax and legal expert R. Venkatesan (Retd. IRS) explains:
“Whenever such a DRI Customs seizure takes place, expect follow-up investigations from ED, IT Department, and even SEBI in case any hawala or investment angles are found. It’s no longer just about drugs – the financial trails matter.”
FAQs
Q1: Is this the largest DRI Customs seizure in North-East India?
A: One of the largest in 2025. Similar raids in 2023–24 ranged from ₹10–40 crore.
Q2: Can seized cash be taxed under Income Tax Act?
A: Yes. If ownership is admitted, tax plus penalties under Section 69A may apply.
Q3: What happens to the arrested individuals?
A: They’ll be produced before a magistrate and face charges under the NDPS Act and other criminal laws.
Final Word: Stay Alert, Stay Compliant
The ₹55.52 crore DRI Customs seizure is a reminder that compliance isn’t just about paperwork—it can expose deep networks of evasion, crime, and corruption. For individuals and businesses, maintaining clean accounts, GST compliance, and tax transparency is not optional—it’s essential.
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Visit www.efiletax.in to consult our experts and stay ahead.
Summary
DRI, Customs, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police seized drugs and cash worth ₹55.52 crore in a massive 2025 operation. The DRI Customs seizure highlights India’s crackdown on smuggling, with legal implications under NDPS, PMLA, and tax laws.